My journey back.

**readyforhome** · September-3rd-2011, 02:18 AM

I was born into and raised in a Southern Baptist family, and was saved and baptised at the age of twelve. I'm not to proud to admit that I drifted into backsliding over the years. Lets just say there seemed to be someone trying to get my attention over the years and I always did believe in God. I think that one of the lower points was in the 90's when I was dabbling into some of the atrocious mess that was ongoing at the time, what with many people talking about being spiritual (witchcraft). I think the ultimate low point was going to a supposed area that had been used for magic, and sacrifices. I don't know what actually had gone on there before, but I definitely know there was something there when the group I was with was there. All I can say is that I fell like I was being attacked and when we were leaving one of the other guys there said the only reason the "spirit" (demon) didn't show itself was because I was there. I fully expect that it was the Holy Spirit within me who was watching out for me and protecting me.
Needless to say I am glad I woke up and turned my back on that blasphemy. More recently I was at a low point, that was until my Earthly father told me something totally out of the blue and unsolicited, "You know Jesus is coming back soon." Maybe it was a believer who was paying attention to what is going on in the World but it definitely felt like it was something more. Since that time I have been praying like I obviously should, and studying the word like is needed. I made a promise years ago that I was going to read the entire Bible, and I am 3/4 of the way there. I know true understanding comes through more than just reading the Bible one time through, but it is a promise I intend to keep.
The one thing that I keep running into that bothers me is the current crop of atheists and the prevalence of disbelief among the "names and faces" of the World. But all things considered this is something that was prophecised about thousands of years ago. I'm always amazed at how condenscending people get if you express your belief, even when they cannot properly express or defend their own beliefs, other than stating that "its science". This is expecially odd since some of it isn't actually science. Personally I've never had any issues between science and my faith. They're not mutually exclusive, but I wouldn't rely on science to save my soul.
All in all I am glad to have come back to the fold. I am currently looking for a good church that has the Holy spirit in it. I am eagerly awaiting the day that I can kneel before the throne and pay homage in person. Though I know not when this will be, but it defnitely feels close.

**mattfivefour** · September-3rd-2011, 02:37 AM

Thank you for sharing, rfh. And welcome to RF!

**Hannah** · September-3rd-2011, 06:18 AM

How gracious is our Loving Father in Heaven to go out and look for His lost sheep and gather them back to into His flock. Amen!

MT 18:12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

Welcome to RF!

**micah719** · September-3rd-2011, 07:23 AM

**ShilohRose** · September-3rd-2011, 01:38 PM

Thank you for sharing with us. Welcome to the Rapture Forums!

**SonSeeker** · September-16th-2011, 05:25 PM

Thank you for sharing, readyforhome, and welcome to the Forum, it's a great place to lean about the Lord, and just hang out with other Christians.

**readyforhome** · December-1st-2011, 01:58 AM

It was at the point where I humbled myself before the Lord and asked him to forgive my disbelief that I felt an incredible surge of love and peace wash over me. I wish everyone could feel this. I am certainly not perfect, but I am definitely on the right path. I have so much love for people that it hurts me to think of anyone having to suffer, and that anyone might in their ignorance reject this most precious of gifts, the gift of salvation. I'm not suicidal, but I have lost my fear of death. I actually long for glory, though I know I need to be doing more while I'm here.

**myinnuendo999** · December-3rd-2011, 10:17 PM

That is so compassionate how Jesus brought you back and will never let you go. It might be for a season but if you are truly His, he will NOT let you continue to live like the world. No sir our heavenly Father will NOT let his children stay in such a state. He love u sooooo much. I'm extremely relieved that he didn't let you stay in such darkness as witchcraft can do. Thank God that His love for us is Unfailing...

And, I love what you wrote this last time. That's why we love the Lord so so much because He when he forgives us and purifies our hearts from all that sin that separated us from HIM, that closeness is restored and there's nothing like being in His awesome presence ...

**Matthew** · December-3rd-2011, 10:47 PM

God bless you. I had also gone through some backsliding as well. With the prayers of the people on this forum, I have recovered. May God bless you and keep you.